On xV2000 and xV4000 and similar engines, the turbos are plumbed in parallel, but one has shutoff valves on the cold gas inlet and on the hot gas outlet. The valves are closed below ~1400 rpm.
The valves are simple flapper valves, actuated by small air cylinders. The one in the exhaust is made of semi- exotic high temperature materials, but, ahem, does not demonstrate an infinite life under all circumstances.
My understanding is that these boat engines are equipped with sequential turbos so that they can use a smaller turbo, effective at lower speeds. When the second turbo spools up, the noise level goes up, the boat surges forward, and the fuel flow goes way up, too.
When the owner is not in a great hurry, most of these boats cruise just below the transition point, on one turbo.
The sequential valves add a fair amount of bulk, weight and complexity. But if you've already got 12 or 16 cylinders, two or four litres per cylinder, the increment is not that great.
On a 3 litre engine, I'd wonder if it's worth the effort. What do you expect to gain that a wastegate can't give you?
Mike Halloran
NOT speaking for
DeAngelo Marine Exhaust Inc.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA